“We have the best people in any company and in any industry,” notes Klein. “Not because they do a great job. That’s expected. It’s because they all want to work here and work with each other.”
Klein echoed that sentiment during a special networking event this month for the interns and their mentors. “Our people are the most important asset we have and you are no exception, added Klein. “This program is a way for Crestron to contribute to developing the next wave of talent to fuel future growth. Don’t think of this as just a job, this is a career interview for both of us. We want to get to know you, learn to work with you, and vice-versa. We’re investing in you and you are investing in us.”
The student interns joined various departments across Crestron, including engineering (mechanical, software, software enterprise, software verification, hardware, firmware, engineering services, engineering logistics, and lighting), manufacturing, production, marketing, and customer support. With more than 90 offices around the world, in every major market and continent, the students are also given the opportunity and exposure to global business practices.
“The Crestron internship is very unique in that our interns do not file or fetch coffee. Instead, they apply the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to work they are given here,” said Martin Devaney, Crestron Senior Director of Human Resources. “Our industry is cool and leading-edge. Students have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting industry and contribute to our successes.”
“We are committed to our interns and this program because they are the future of this industry and our company,” added Klein. “We had 150 interns over the last five years and many of them now have positions within the company.”
So far the internship program is off to a great start. Here’s what Crestron interns are saying about the program:
“I have only been here for a few days and this opportunity has already been a mind blowing experience,” says Matthew Singer, a senior Electrical Engineering major at University at Buffalo (SUNY) interning in the Engineering Lighting department. “Being able to apply what I have learned in the classroom to tasks that I am assigned here is amazing. I am enjoying my time here at Crestron.”
“My mentors really go above and beyond to help me feel comfortable and get as much out of this internship opportunity as possible,” says Nya Dark, junior Marketing and Management double major at Montclair State University interning in the Marketing and Public Relations Department. “I have already gained so much experience and the summer has only begun. I have attended an offsite event, conducted interviews, and written a few press releases. This internship has assured me that I have made the right decision with pursuing a career in Marketing.”
It’s not all work for the Class of 2015 interns. Crestron will host several social events throughout the summer so that the interns can network with their peers, mentors, and Crestron Executive Leadership.